Life Story Explores Connection Between Self-Esteem and Addiction

Life Story Explores Connection Between Self-Esteem and Addiction

Those who have low self-esteem struggle to find success and happiness, mostly because they do not feel themselves worthy of enjoying such things… Many of those who are dealing with low self-esteem will turn to substance abuse because it offers a temporary solution to their problems. Using alcohol and drugs to escape their feelings of low self-worth only leads to further misery and addiction” (alcoholrehab.com).

Kathy Renee tells her poignant personal story of growing up in a dysfunctional home with alcoholic parents that left her with a severe lack of self-worth in a new release, I Can’t Do Life (Redemption Press 2017), Reeling from sexual abuse, she turned to drugs and alcohol and illicit relationships for affirmation and a sense of belonging. Feeling trapped in a loveless marriage, she descended deeper into alcoholism and drug abuse.

Renee was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and borderline personality disorder, and was hospitalized for treatment and suicide attempts. Forced into recovery, she failed, relapsing each time. “My life was a mess,” she says. “I knew if I didn’t do something soon, I would die.”

Buried childhood memories of God reminded her to ask for his help. A Christian therapist and a Christian 12-Step meeting gave her hope that her life could be different. Recommitting her life to God, she made small steps forward, and encountered many steps back on the road to recovery. “I just didn’t give up and God didn’t give up on me.”

This Texas grandmother found freedom from addiction and helped others to be free as she learned to think differently about herself, and to accept God’s help. “My life took a complete turnaround. God started doing for me what I couldn’t do myself.”

The memoir I Can’t Do Life offers hope for those who have tried and failed to quit… and those who love them.